Bengal polls: 103-year-old casts vote for first time

Cooch Behar, May 5: Asgar Ali perhaps became the oldest first-time voter in India when he cast his ballot in the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly election in Cooch Behar district of North Bengal on Thursday (May 5) at the age of 103.Assembly Polls 2016 Coverage; What happened in May 5 phase

Born in 1913, Ali has been a resident of three countries and a citizen of India now. But the opportunity to cast the vote is not something which has completely impressed the veteran. According to a report in The Indian Express, Ali said though he and his family have been provided with election cards, they are yet to get ration cards and that leaves them with the problem of feeding themselves. [Confident Mamata didn't campaign in Nandigram]

Erstwhile Bangladeshi enclave dweller 103-year old Asgar Ali is helped by his family members to cast his vote for the first time at a polling station during the final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections in Coochbehar district on Thursday (May 5, 2016). PTI

Over 9,700 residents of erswhile enclaves were due to vote in the election on Thursday, the first time ever for them. Ali also believes it could be his final time, said the report.

The man also cited the election cards fraught with mistakes. He said genders have been goofed up as well as the names. He also asked about the ration cards and said they are yet to get the kerosene as was promised.

Ali also negated the claims made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that her government has given rice at Rs 2 a kg to all residents of the enclaves. Ali's grandson Joynal Adedin said it's a lie as they haven't got even 200 grams of rice at rs 2, the report added. He said those who have come Bangladesh and are being hosted by the Government of India are getting free rice, the IE report added.